1

Failure Analysis Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide. In this Role, Your ...

Customer Complaint & Failure Analysis: Experienced investigating customer complaints, conducting failure analyses, and preparing detailed technical reports. * Regulatory & Customer Requirements:

The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide. In this Role, Your ...

Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access ...

$78K - $104K/yr

Lead root cause failure analysis (RCA) for significant electrical events, identify reliability gaps, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. * Safety & Compliance: Champion ADM ...

New

Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability , Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access ...

Reliability Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$90 - $125/hr

Identify root causes and develop engineering solutions for equipment reliability problems through "Bad Actor" and cost analysis, Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis ...

The successful individual will help implement the root cause failure analysis processes, build out the analytical tools for assessing underperforming assets, and optimize our maintenance strategies ...

Work closely with the Quality group to ensure supplier provides failure analysis, root cause determination and corrective action. (5) Respond to change productively and handle other duties as ...

Showing results 21-40

Failure Analysis information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$26

$39

How much do failure analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for failure analysis in Iowa is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges in a failure analysis role and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Failure Analysis often encounter challenges such as isolating the root cause of complex failures, working with incomplete data, and meeting tight deadlines for critical product investigations. These challenges are typically addressed through a systematic approach—using advanced analytical tools, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like engineering and quality assurance, and maintaining clear documentation. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest testing methodologies also help in effectively overcoming obstacles in this dynamic field.

How to become a failure analysis engineer?

To become a failure analysis engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with failure analysis techniques, such as microscopy and testing methods, and obtaining certifications like Certified Failure Analysis Professional can enhance job prospects. Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with industry standards are also important.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a failure analysis engineer?

To thrive as a Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering, or physics, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with laboratory tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and relevant software for data analysis is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate root-cause identification and effective solutions, which are vital for improving product reliability and reducing costly defects.

What is failure analysis?

Failure analysis is the process of investigating why a component, system, or material has failed in service or during testing. The goal is to determine the root cause of the failure, which can involve examining physical evidence, collecting data, and performing laboratory tests such as microscopy or chemical analysis. This information helps organizations prevent future failures, improve product design, and ensure safety and reliability. Failure analysis is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Failure Analysis vs Materials Engineer?

AspectFailure AnalysisMaterials Engineer
Primary FocusInvestigating and diagnosing product failures to determine root causesDesigning, developing, and testing materials for product performance
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, failure investigation sitesResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ Certified Failure AnalystTypically requires materials science degrees, possibly professional engineering licenses

Failure Analysis specialists focus on diagnosing why products fail, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. Materials Engineers design and develop materials to improve product performance. While both roles require technical knowledge of materials, Failure Analysis emphasizes troubleshooting and root cause analysis, whereas Materials Engineering centers on material development and testing.

Infographic showing various Failure Analysis job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,578 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Emerson

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Emerson Electric rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 489 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At Emerson in Marshalltown, the Materials Engineer role offers the opportunity to drive innovation through advanced materials engineering across global product lines. This position works with both metallic and non-metallic materials-including polymers, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants-to support product design, manufacturing, and performance. The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide.

In this Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Provide technical leadership in the identification, development, application, and qualification of materials for the design, manufacture, and application of the product line. 

  • Lead projects and provide support in the areas of failure analysis, supplier qualification, material selection, and materials research.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and customers on a global basis to understand their materials needs.

  • Create and document best practices for the application of appropriate technologies to current and future development projects.

  • Development / maintenance of internal specifications and practices.

  • Contribute to and interpret industry standards.


For this Role, You Will Need:

  • Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering.

  • Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of relevant experience will be strongly considered. 

  • Experience in applying materials technology to solving a broad range of problems 

  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technology

  • Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and capable of working with teams with competing interests and priorities

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well an ability to present to large audiences

  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and safely perform experiments; growth opportunity to implement systems of experiments and test practices


Supervisory Requirements:

  • This is an individual contributor position with no initial responsibility for direct supervision of other full-time personnel.  

  • Combination professional office and lab environment.

  • Occasional off-hours work to coordinate projects with other world areas.

  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
     

Our Culture & Commitment to You

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

WHY EMERSON 

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.   


ABOUT EMERSON 

Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!

No calls or agencies please. 


What Emerson Electric employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom